Algerian Ambassador to Vietnam Cherif Chikhi hosted a banquet in Hanoion November 4 to mark the 60th anniversary of Algeria’sIndependence Day (November 1, 1954-2014).
Onbehalf of the Vietnamese Government and people, Minister of ConstructionTrinh Dinh Dung extended greetings to the Algerian people on theoccasion.
Reviewing the traditional friendship and cooperationbetween the two countries over the past years, the minister said despitegeographical distance, Vietnam and Algeria have enjoyed atime-honoured friendship and solidarity, fostered by their mutualsupport and assistance during the past struggle for independence as wellas the current national construction.
Bilateralties have grown strongly in recent years thanks to the firm politicalfoundation, which has fueled their trade and investment partnership, hesaid.
Last year, two-way trade reached 284million USD, a rise of 36 percent against 2012, he noted, adding thatthe Bir Seba oil and gas joint venture between the Vietnam National Oiland Gas Group (PetroVietnam) and its Algerian partner, is expected tobecome operational next year with a capacity of 20,000 barrels per year.
Both Ambassador Cherif Chikhi and Minister Dungexpressed their belief on the future development of the friendship andmulti-faced ties between the two countries for the interests of bothpeoples and for peace and stability in the region and the world.-VNA